What is the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster?

The cluster forms an integrated system for everything from basic research to clinical applications (translational research) and industrialization.

Overview

At the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster, research institutes and facilities such as the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation; the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology (CDB); the Kobe Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI); and the RIKEN supercomputer, K computer, are currently operational. Moreover, the development of a cluster of highly specialized hospitals such as the Kobe Minimally Invasive Cancer Center is progressing in the vicinity of Kobe city’s flagship hospital, the Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital. These state-of-the-art research organizations collaborate with over 260 companies and groups to develop clinical and practical applications of drugs, regenerative medicine, medical equipment, and more.

Aims and core concept of Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster

Location

Iryo Center Station in the heart of the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster is 12 minutes from Sannomiya in the center of Kobe or 5 minutes from Kobe Airport on the Port Liner. Conveniently located for those traveling by Shinkansen (Bullet Train), the cluster is 17 minutes by taxi from Shin-Kobe Station while nearby Sannomiya is only 20 minutes from Osaka on the JR Special Rapid Service and 50 minutes from Kyoto.

Introducing the KBIC logo

The Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster logo is a hexagon in the shape of Port Island that symbolizes six strengths of the Kobe region, namely, urban infrastructure, culture, nature, people, companies, and government.